Calum's ton pleases mum

Calum MacLeod last night continued a prolific season with the bat to score a superb 145 as Scotland levelled their one-day series with Holland with an easy win at Titwood, Glasgow.

That simple statement, though, masks a dramatic and ultimately proud occasion for the MacLeod clan on a day when Calum’s younger brother Niall graduated.

And remarkably parents Donald and Morag were there to witness both events – though only just!

It was a close run thing as MacLeod accelerated into the 90s, only to slow down as the landmark approached. Balls which had previously been dismissed from his presence were suddenly treated with an almost reverential respect.

Our hero started walking down the pitch prodding at hitherto undetected demons, causing further delay – and tension on the boundary!

A wicket fell at the other end. The clock ticked on and Morag grew increasingly fidgety in her seat in front of the Titwood pavilion while Donald stood stoically, camera in hand, waiting to record the moment for posterity.

Finally it arrived as MacLeod sent his tenth boundary racing to the rope and dutifully posed as dad clicked away in proud delight.

Then the earth moved – or shook! - as MacLeod senior burst into a sprint, reaching speeds which may not be witnessed in Glasgow again until the Commonwealth Games get underway (mind you, by this stage, he was at the wheel of his Mercedes!) .

He was rewarded for his Bolt-like pace, reaching the graduation ceremony just in time to witness Niall pick up his Sports Development degree.

Calum explained: “Mum and dad were at the game but they only planned to stay for a wee while before going to see Niall because graduation is a once in a lifetime thing.

“But as I got closer to a century I’m told dad was determined to see me reach the landmark and I think mum was anxious to get away so that they weren’t late.

“They got there in time so I suppose I should be dedicating the ton to my wee brother and apologising to my parents for taking so long.

“But there’s no chance I’m doing that!

“I am just pleased that mum was there because it’s the first time she’s seen me score 100 for Scotland.”

Durham star MacLeod dominated as the Scots rattled up a mammoth 317 in blustery conditions.

He reached three figures from just 99 balls, striking ten boundaries and two sixes, one of which soared straight out of the ground.

But the 24 year-old then stepped-up another gear to plunder another 45 runs and doubled his tally of maximums in the process.

MacLeod, who survived a run-out scare on just 10, looked set to become the first Scot in one-day matches to carry his bat throughout an innings.

However, with just nine balls remaining he was clean-bowled by Ahsan Malik who finished with 6-50.

MacLeod had excellent support from Preston Mommsen (45) and Josh Davey (34) and his heroics put the Saltires on course for their revenge win.

The Dutch made a blistering start in their reply with Stefan Myburgh blasting 20 in one over from Safy Sharif.

However, debutant Gavin Main removed the big-hitting left-hander with his first delivery in international cricket as the Scots hit back.

Main claimed another two “wickets” off no-balls in a lively opening spell but spinner Michael Leask claimed the bowling honours with 4-20 including former Pakistan Test batsman Mo Wasim.

The Dutch were never up with the required rate and had slumped to 115-7 – 144 runs behind the D/L par – when rain brought an early end.

It gave new coach Grant Bradburn his first win at the helm before the sides meet again tomorrow (Fri) in the series decider.

MacLeod added: “I’ve seen the run out chance again and it was closer than I thought but sometimes you need a slice of luck.

“We knew we had to improve after the way we threw Tuesday’s game away so I’m delighted to have got these runs.

“Grant was pretty forthright about what he wanted us to do and it’s good to respond with a positive performance.